Beginnerʼs Guide to Vietnamese Street Food

Asian food is celebrated across the globe for its rich flavours and culinary history. Among them, Vietnamese cuisine stands out and is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to try something new. It uses everything from tofu and beef to prawns and noodles, and of course–a range of dipping sauces and aromatic herbs–enhancing every bite.

If you're new to Vietnamese cuisine, this guide will walk you through the basics, answer all of your questions, and introduce you to meals that are both satisfying and tasty.

Must-Try Vietnamese Street Food Dishes

If you know a little about Vietnam, you know that street food is the essence of its culinary history. Vietnam’s streets are filled with roadside vendors and food stalls that serve up delicious food all throughout the day. Want to get transported straight to the streets of Vietnam? Here are some of the most common Vietnamese food that you must try:

1. Pho (Noodle Soup)

Pho (pronounced ‘fuh’) is a classic Vietnamese meal, named after the type of noodle used in the recipe. Flat rice noodles dance with medium-rare slices of meat or cooked chicken in a rich broth–the perfect comfort meal!

Pho Hanoi is the more popular of the two generally known kinds of Pho. Originally from the North, it is distinguished by a clear broth and is served simply with a squeeze of lemon and slices of bird's eye chilli. The Southern version, pho Nam, features a murkier soup with fresh herbs such as bean sprouts, basil, and mint.

2. Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls)

Goi Cuon, or Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, are different from other famous Vietnamese dishes due to their range of toppings and sauces. Whether you prefer meat or vegetables, there's a spring roll for you. They are simple to eat and suitable for any meal of the day.

3. Bun Cha (Vietnamese Meatballs)

Bun Cha is another must-try northern Vietnamese dish. This dish includes succulent grilled pork patties served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a zesty dipping sauce. The combination of smoky, char-grilled pork and fragrant herbs results in a flavour explosion with every bite.

4. Laksa (Spicy Noodles)

Laksa is a spicy dish made with thick rice noodles and some form of meat such as chicken, prawns or fish. Most iterations of Laksa are prepared with a dense, spicy coconut curry or broth. It is also usually served with fried tofu puffs, minced leaves, bean sprouts and other vegetables. If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious treat, this is the dish for you.

5. Banh Hoi (Vermicelli Rolls)

Banh Hoi is a Vietnamese dish that consists of rice vermicelli, grilled meat, chopped scallions and vegetables. The vermicelli sheets are woven into intricate bundles and topped with all the flavoursome toppings, creating a dish you simply cannot miss.

6. Hu Tieu Xao Thap Cam (Stir-Fried Noodles)

The perfect combination of stir-fried flat noodles, beef and vegetables in a rich sauce, Hu Tieu Xao Thap Cam is a simple yet savoury meal. Hu Tieu noodles are usually made from rice flour and tapioca starch, giving it a chewy texture that sets it apart.

7. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)

While baguettes were influenced by French cuisine, banh mi is uniquely Vietnamese. Paté and margarine are spread throughout the soft, chewy interior of a baguette, and then the sandwich is stuffed with pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, pork floss, pork belly, and cucumber. Sink your teeth into the crispy crust and watch as the heated roll gives way to a variety of textures.

8. Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancake)

Banh Xeo–a paper-thin pancake stuffed with delicacies and folded–originated in Hue. The Vietnamese create it with eggs, rice flour, and coconut milk, then fill it with meat, seafood, and veggies. The finished dish is wrapped in rice paper with herbs or salad greens. In English, Banh Xeo is commonly referred to as a Vietnamese "pancake".

Common Vietnamese Street Food Etiquette & Tips

If you’re in Vietnam, there are some rules regarding dining on the pavement that are simple and accommodating, particularly for foreigners. You can always rely on the rule of 'eat first, pay later.' Place your order at the front, then select your own table or stool to sit on.

A quick wipe down of your chopsticks/spoon before eating is totally acceptable, as is using your chopsticks to sample any shared foods on the table. Dirty napkins, squeezed limes, and herb stems can be discarded in the containers below while eating. Once finished, arrange your chopsticks on top of your bowl.

Diners at small stalls typically ask for the amount and pay the chef immediately on their way out. In some circumstances, a waitress may approach the table and mentally tally your bill. Trust us– they do it every day. A written tab is uncommon for local cuisine, although you can request it if necessary.

Exploring Thanh Binh – Best Vietnamese Restaurant in Sydney

Vietnamese street food is a must-try for anyone who enjoys the delicate balance of flavours and spices. Whether it’s a crispy banh mi, a steaming bowl of Bun Cha, or freshly made spring rolls, there’s something for everyone. And the great news is, you don’t have to travel all the way to Vietnam to try these dishes, because we’re bringing them to you–authentic Vietnamese food in Sydney.

At Thanh Binh, you'll find a menu that captures the essence of Vietnamese street food. From delicious Pho to delightful Goi Cuon and delectable Laksa, you’ll find it all–and more at this cosy restaurant in Ed.Square Town Centre. Whatever you choose to indulge in, one thing is assured–flavourful food awaits you.

Conclusion

As with other Asian cuisine, Vietnamese food is all about yin and yang: cooling and warming, sweet and salty, fresh and fermented. Exploring Vietnamese cuisine not only feeds your body but also nurtures your soul with its perfect balance of spices and fresh ingredients. Dive in and you could just find your new favourite cuisine, one that speaks straight to your heart and mouth. And for those in Sydney, Thanh Binh offers the perfect opportunity to experience the magic of Vietnamese street food right at home.

Ed.Square Town Centre is dedicated to providing the perfect destination for food lovers looking to explore global flavours all at one convenient location.

FAQs

1. Is Vietnamese food healthy?

Many traditional Vietnamese foods are already low in fat yet high in nutrients. They use fresh veggies, lean proteins, and aromatic herbs to create a flavourful dish that is not excessively rich.

2. How spicy is Vietnamese food?

Vietnamese cuisine is a wonderful blend of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy ingredients, each of which contributes significantly to the overall flavour experience.

3. What are the most popular Vietnamese dishes?

Some of the most popular Vietnamese food include Pho, a flavourful noodle soup, Banh Mi, a French-inspired sandwich filled with meats, pâté, and vegetables; other favourites are Goi Cuon (spring rolls), Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles) and Banh Xeo (pancakes). Want to try traditional Vietnamese food in Sydney? Thanh Binh is your spot!